DZWatch Exclusive: The Israeli Ministerial Committee on National Security has reportedly established a smaller ministerial team to oversee the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. According to reports, this task force will include Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and other officials.
The selection of these ministers is notable, as Smotrich has previously advocated for the reoccupation of Gaza and expansion of settlements, while Ben-Gvir has denied the existence of the Palestinian people and opposed the ceasefire agreement from its inception. This raises concerns about the direction and implementation of the agreement’s next phase.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that Energy Minister Eli Cohen protested his exclusion from the task force during a government meeting on Thursday, ultimately voting against its formation. The new task force will be responsible for enacting Israel’s vision for the second phase of the agreement.
This development follows the recent passage of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which endorsed the plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The resolution calls for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and the establishment of a credible path towards Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The formation of this task force, comprised of ministers with hardline stances on Palestinian issues, casts doubt on the practical application of these principles.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing charges at the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza, has stated his intention to implement the agreement with an “iron fist,” including the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. This stance further complicates the prospects for a peaceful and sustainable resolution.
Earlier reports indicated that Israeli Minister Ron Dermer held discussions with U.S. officials regarding Israel’s freedom of action in Gaza, even during the implementation of the second phase of the agreement.
In a separate interview with the Jerusalem Post, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that Israel must demonstrate that it has given the Trump plan a genuine opportunity through diplomatic means. He added that if diplomacy fails, Israel could then act militarily with greater international legitimacy.
